Mucolytics

Question 1

Mucolytics

Drug Names

Answer 1

Acetylcysteine

Dornase alfa (cystic fibrosis)

Question 2

Mucolytics

Actions

Answer 2

Work to break down mucous in order to aid the high-risk respiratory patient in coughing up thick, tenacious secretionsIndications

Question 3

Mucolytics

Indications

Answer 3

• Patients who have difficulty coughing up secretions
• Patients who develop atelectasis
• Patients undergoing diagnostic bronchoscopy
• Postoperative patients
• Patients with tracheostomies

-Illnesses such as:	
COPD	
Cystic fibrosis	
Pneumonia	
TB

Question 4

Mucolytics

Contraindications and Cautions

Answer 4

Contraindications:
acute bronchospasm

Caution:

• pregnancy/lactation
• peptic ulcer and esophageal varices (can make these illnesses worse)

Question 5

Mucolytics

Adverse effects

Answer 5

GI upset
Rhinorrhea
Bronchospasm
Rash
Stomatitis

Question 6

Mucolytics

Nursing process: Assessment

Answer 6

History

• Allergy
• Presence of acute bronchospasm, peptic ulcer and esophageal varices

Physical Exam

• Skin assessment
• Blood pressure and pulse
• Lung sounds

Question 7

Mucolytics

Nursing process: Diagnoses

Answer 7

Acute pain

Disturbed sensory perception

Deficient knowledge

Ineffective airway clearance

Impaired skin integrity

Question 8

Mucolytics

Nursing process: Implementation

Answer 8

DO NOT COMBINE IN NEBULIZER

Wipe face and mask with water after nebulizer

Question 9

Mucolytics

Nursing process: Evaluation

Answer 9

Response to drug

Effectiveness of teaching plan

Compliance with drug regimen